Protect and defend

It’s time that they protect and defend us from what the U.S. Department of Defense has called a “threat multiplier:” Climate change.

The Department of Defense (DOD) is not alone in recognizing the threat. Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists acknowledge that climate change is real and is primarily human caused. A 2017 survey by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication shows that the majority of Americans believe climate change is real–and caused by human activity. Locally, according to that same report, 66% of Union County residents, and 71% of those living in Centre County–two counties in Congressman Marino’s district– agree that climate change is happening. (Only about one-third–a clear minority–believe that climate change is solely the result of naturally caused patterns.) Furthermore, a strong majority (70% or more) of residents from both counties endorse public policies, such as investing in research on renewable energy sources or regulating CO2 as a pollutant.

Despite the national and local consensus, Congressman Marino refuses to acknowledge the facts and refuses to push for sustainable energy policies. We need a fact-based, future-oriented representative who will protect and defend us from the very real threats of climate change. That is why I am voting for Marc Friedenberg for Congress in November.

(Mick Smyer is founder of Graying Green: Climate Action for an Aging World.)